The GATA transcriptional program dictates cell fate equilibrium to establish the maternal-fetal exchange interface and fetal development.

The placenta establishes a maternal-fetal exchange interface to transport nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus. Establishment of this exchange interface relies on the development of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (SynT) from trophoblast progenitors, and defect in SynT development often leads to pregnancy failure and impaired embryonic development. Here, we show that mouse embryos with conditional deletion of transcription factors GATA2 and GATA3 in labyrinth trophoblast progenitors (LaTPs) have underdeveloped placenta and die by ~embryonic day 9.5. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed excessive accumulation of multipotent LaTPs upon conditional deletion of GATA factors. The GATA factor-deleted multipotent progenitors were unable to differentiate into matured SynTs. We also show that the GATA factor-mediated priming of trophoblast progenitors for SynT differentiation is a conserved event during human placentation. Loss of either GATA2 or GATA3 in cytotrophoblast-derived human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs) drastically inhibits SynT differentiation potential. Identification of GATA2 and GATA3 target genes along with comparative bioinformatics analyses revealed that GATA factors directly regulate hundreds of common genes in human TSCs, including genes that are essential for SynT development and implicated in preeclampsia and fetal growth retardation. Thus, our study uncovers a conserved molecular mechanism, in which coordinated function of GATA2 and GATA3 promotes trophoblast progenitor-to-SynT commitment, ensuring establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange interface.

Loss of ERß Disrupts Gene Regulation in Primordial and Primary Follicles.

Loss of ERß increases primordial follicle growth activation (PFGA), leading to premature ovarian follicle reserve depletion. We determined the expression and gene regulatory functions of ERß in dormant primordial follicles (PdFs) and activated primary follicles (PrFs) using mouse models. PdFs and PrFs were isolated from 3-week-old Erß knockout (Erßnull) mouse ovaries, and their transcriptomes were compared with those of control Erßfl/fl mice. We observed a significant (≥2-fold change; FDR p-value ≤ 0.05) deregulation of approximately 5% of genes (866 out of 16,940 genes, TPM ≥ 5) in Erßnull PdFs; ~60% (521 out of 866) of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated, and 40% were downregulated, indicating that ERß has both transcriptional enhancing as well as repressing roles in dormant PdFs. Such deregulation of genes may make the Erßnull PdFs more susceptible to increased PFGA. When the PdFs undergo PFGA and form PrFs, many new genes are activated. During PFGA of Erßfl/fl follicles, we detected a differential expression of ~24% genes (4909 out of 20,743; ≥2-fold change; FDR p-value ≤ 0.05; TPM ≥ 5); 56% upregulated and 44% downregulated, indicating the gene enhancing and repressing roles of Erß-activated PrFs. In contrast, we detected a differential expression of only 824 genes in Erßnull follicles during PFGA (≥2-fold change; FDR p-value ≤ 0.05; TPM ≥ 5). Moreover, most (~93%; 770 out of 824) of these DEGs in activated Erßnull PrFs were downregulated. Such deregulation of genes in Erßnull activated follicles may impair their inhibitory role on PFGA. Notably, in both Erßnull PdFs and PrFs, we detected a significant number of epigenetic regulators and transcription factors to be differentially expressed, which suggests that lack of ERß either directly or indirectly deregulates the gene expression in PdFs and PrFs, leading to increased PFGA.

TEAD4 ensures postimplantation development by promoting trophoblast self-renewal: An implication in early human pregnancy loss.

Early pregnancy loss affects ∼15% of all implantation-confirmed human conceptions. However, evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms that regulate self-renewal of trophoblast progenitors and their association with early pregnancy loss are poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that transcription factor TEAD4 ensures survival of postimplantation mouse and human embryos by controlling self-renewal and stemness of trophoblast progenitors within the placenta primordium. In an early postimplantation mouse embryo, TEAD4 is selectively expressed in trophoblast stem cell-like progenitor cells (TSPCs), and loss of Tead4 in postimplantation mouse TSPCs impairs their self-renewal, leading to embryonic lethality before embryonic day 9.0, a developmental stage equivalent to the first trimester of human gestation. Both TEAD4 and its cofactor, yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), are specifically expressed in cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors of a first-trimester human placenta. We also show that a subset of unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses (idiopathic RPLs) is associated with impaired TEAD4 expression in CTB progenitors. Furthermore, by establishing idiopathic RPL patient-specific human trophoblast stem cells (RPL-TSCs), we show that loss of TEAD4 is associated with defective self-renewal in RPL-TSCs and rescue of TEAD4 expression restores their self-renewal ability. Unbiased genomics studies revealed that TEAD4 directly regulates expression of key cell cycle genes in both mouse and human TSCs and establishes a conserved transcriptional program. Our findings show that TEAD4, an effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, is essential for the establishment of pregnancy in a postimplantation mammalian embryo and indicate that impairment of the Hippo signaling pathway could be a molecular cause for early human pregnancy loss.

Atypical protein kinase C iota (PKCλ/ι) ensures mammalian development by establishing the maternal-fetal exchange interface.

In utero mammalian development relies on the establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange interface, which ensures transportation of nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus. This exchange interface is established via development of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast cells (SynTs) during placentation. In mice, SynTs develop via differentiation of the trophoblast stem cell-like progenitor cells (TSPCs) of the placenta primordium, and in humans, SynTs are developed via differentiation of villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors. Despite the critical need in pregnancy progression, conserved signaling mechanisms that ensure SynT development are poorly understood. Herein, we show that atypical protein kinase C iota (PKCλ/ι) plays an essential role in establishing the SynT differentiation program in trophoblast progenitors. Loss of PKCλ/ι in the mouse TSPCs abrogates SynT development, leading to embryonic death at approximately embryonic day 9.0 (E9.0). We also show that PKCλ/ι-mediated priming of trophoblast progenitors for SynT differentiation is a conserved event during human placentation. PKCλ/ι is selectively expressed in the first-trimester CTBs of a developing human placenta. Furthermore, loss of PKCλ/ι in CTB-derived human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs) impairs their SynT differentiation potential both in vitro and after transplantation in immunocompromised mice. Our mechanistic analyses indicate that PKCλ/ι signaling maintains expression of GCM1, GATA2, and PPARγ, which are key transcription factors to instigate SynT differentiation programs in both mouse and human trophoblast progenitors. Our study uncovers a conserved molecular mechanism, in which PKCλ/ι signaling regulates establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange surface by promoting trophoblast progenitor-to-SynT transition during placentation.

DXA Scan Variants in Transgender Patients.

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals face numerous barriers to healthcare, which contribute to many health disparities. TGNC persons may choose gender-affirming therapies with surgery and/or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage gender incongruence. Despite the expanding use of HRT, the long-term outcomes on bone health and metabolism, are still relatively unknown in the TGNC population. In 2019, the International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) released an official position statement on the appropriate use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure bone density in the TGNC population. In this study, we reviewed which "sex" is currently utilized among providers when performing DXA scans to calculate T- and Z-scores for TGNC persons and how this compares to the positions published by the ISCD. A retrospective analysis was performed utilizing HERON queries and subsequent chart review. HERON is a type of Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside software that was utilized to find sets of patients of interest from electronic medical record data while preserving patient privacy through a query interface tool. Project specific sets including patient demographics, medications, gonadectomy, and DXA scan information was created in HERON to make this highly detailed data of specific patients available to the investigators on the platform, as reviewed and retrieved by the Institutional Review Board. The qualitative DXA data obtained from chart review was determined as "correct" or "incorrect" based on positions provided from the ISCD. 10 DXA scans that met inclusion criteria were obtained between 9 TGNC patients. In total, 18 T-scores and Z-scores of the 10 DXAs were reviewed and scored. Based on ISCD positions, 67% of the T-score and Z-scores were calculated incorrectly; using the erroneous "sex" based standard to compare scores. Like DXA scans, many current healthcare standards and protocols are based on a patient's sex or gender, which may cause confusion amongst healthcare personnel who have not received proper training regarding the TGNC population. In this study, 67% of T-scores and Z-scores were calculated incorrectly based on ISCD recommendations. An additional prospective research design is required to determine the consequences of incorrectly calculated DXA scans for TGNC patients. Furthermore, future research is needed to determine HRT's effects on bone mineral density in the TGNC population in the United States.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Women in Kansas.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought forward the challenge of dispersing accurate medical information to the public rapidly. Credible and non-credible sources may impact public reactions to the virus. The purpose of this study is to assess those reactions of women located in or near Kansas. A survey was conducted in July 2020 with questions on knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes and behaviors towards COVID-19, and primary sources of information. 305 survey respondents met criteria for further analysis, and descriptive statistical analyses were applied. Participants were generally knowledgeable of the pandemic, with a mean knowledge score of 11.40 out of 13 (SD 1.3). The attitude statement with the highest rate of agreement was that "social distancing is an effective way of controlling COVID-19 spread" (n = 265, 86.9%) and that with the highest rate of disagreement was, "I am not worried about my friends' and family members health" (n = 253, 83.0%). The most-implemented behaviors as indicated by participants were avoiding contact with sick individuals and washing hands with soap and water often (n = 294, 96.4%), and the least implemented was avoiding meat consumption (n = 257, 84.3%). Finally, most participants indicated that health officials were their primary source of information (n = 215, 70.5%). Participants of this survey had fairly good knowledge of the virus. Attitudes of participants as a whole may be described as cautious without being overly fearful. Reported behaviors also align well with current public health recommendations. These responses may be reflective of where participants are receiving their information, which, for the majority, is from public health officials.

Evaluation of a novel telemedicine-based intervention to manage body image disturbance in head and neck cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical impact of BRIGHT (Building a Renewed ImaGe after Head & neck cancer Treatment), a novel telemedicine-based cognitive-behavioral intervention to manage body image disturbance (BID) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. METHODS: Head and neck cancer survivors with BID were enrolled into a single-arm pilot trial. Participants completed study measures at baseline, 1- and 3-months post-BRIGHT to assess its acceptability and clinical impact. Participants completed semi-structured interviews to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of BRIGHT and refine the intervention. RESULTS: Ten HNC survivors with BID were enrolled into the trial of tablet-based BRIGHT. BRIGHT was feasible, as judged by low dropout (n = 1), high session completion rates (100%; 45/45) and low rates of technical issues with the tablet-based delivery (11% minor; 0% major). Ninety percent of participants were highly likely to recommend BRIGHT, reflecting its acceptability. BRIGHT was associated with a 34.5% reduction in mean Body Image Scale scores at 1-month post-BRIGHT (mean difference from baseline = 4.56; 95% CI 1.55, 7.56), an effect that was durable at 3-months post-BRIGHT (mean decrease from baseline = 3.56; 95% CI 1.15-5.96). Program evaluation revealed high levels of satisfaction with BRIGHT, particularly the delivery platform. During the qualitative evaluation, participants highlighted that BRIGHT improved image-related coping behavior. CONCLUSIONS: BRIGHT is feasible, acceptable to HNC survivors, and has significant potential as a novel approach to manage BID in HNC survivors. Additional research is necessary to refine BRIGHT and evaluate its clinical efficacy and scalability.

Low total motile sperm in transgender women seeking hormone therapy.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare semen quality, hormonal status, and social factors in transgender women seeking fertility preservation with those of fertile cisgender men. Long-range goals are to establish standard practice measures ensuring optimum semen quality for cryopreservation and fertility preservation in transgender women. METHODS: This is a case-control study carried out at an academic medical center. Cases are transgender women seeking fertility preservation prior to initiation of hormone therapy. Controls are cisgender men recently fathering a child. All participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 survey and additional survey questions related to personal behaviors. Complete semen analysis was carried out in a clinical andrology laboratory according to WHO guidelines, 5th edition. Serum follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, and testosterone were measured at the time of semen analysis. RESULTS: Sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, total motile sperm, volume, and normal sperm morphology were significantly lower in transgender females compared with fertile cisgender men. Other measures of semen parameters and hormone concentrations were not different between groups. Survey results indicated transgender women were more likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and utilize tucking and tight undergarments, compared with controls; however, both groups reported similar numbers of ejaculations per week. CONCLUSIONS: Although semen parameters were low, cryopreservation of sperm prior to hormone therapy is a viable fertility preservation option for most transgender women. The etiology of the differences in semen parameters is not known. Enhanced education related to personal behaviors or treatment to reduce effects of stressors prior to cryopreservation may improve future fertility potential.

Race and Prevalence of Large Bowel Polyps Among the Low-Income and Uninsured in South Carolina.

BACKGROUND: Compared to whites, blacks have higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates and are at greater risk for early-onset disease. The reasons for this racial disparity are poorly understood, but one contributing factor could be differences in access to high-quality screening and medical care. AIMS: The present study was carried out to assess whether a racial difference in prevalence of large bowel polyps persists within a poor and uninsured population (n = 233, 124 blacks, 91 whites, 18 other) undergoing screening colonoscopy. METHODS: Eligible patients were uninsured, asymptomatic, had no personal history of colorectal neoplasia, and were between the ages 45-64 years (blacks) or 50-64 years (whites, other). We examined the prevalence of any adenoma (conventional, serrated) and then difference in adenoma/polyp type by race and age categories. RESULTS: Prevalence for ≥1 adenoma was 37 % (95 % CI 31-43 %) for all races combined and 36 % in blacks <50 years, 38 % in blacks ≥50 years, and 35 % in whites. When stratified by race, blacks had a higher prevalence of large conventional proximal neoplasia (8 %) compared to whites (2 %) (p value = 0.06) but a lower prevalence of any serrated-like (blacks 18 %, whites 32 %; p value = 0.02) and sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (blacks 2 %, whites 8 % Chi-square p value; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within this uninsured population, the overall prevalence of adenomas was high and nearly equal by race, but the racial differences observed between serrated and conventional polyp types emphasize the importance of taking polyp type into account in future research on this topic.

Biologic effects of stress and bonding in mother-infant pairs.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal stress in humans influences behavior of children and can be assessed using biological markers. Mothers and their one-month-old infants were recruited from an existing study to examine baseline maternal serum oxytocin and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to infant blood heel stick stress as measured by salivary cortisol in the dyads. Objectives were to explore (1) relationships between mother and infant cortisol levels, (2) gender differences in infant biologic cortisol response, and (3) the association of cortisol levels in the dyads and maternal oxytocin levels METHODS: Forty-two mother-infant dyads provided biologic samples and self-report data. Maternal oxytocin samples were obtained. Initial salivary cortisol was assessed in both the mother and infant, followed by a heel stick blood draw. Twenty minutes later, salivary cortisol was collected again from dyads. RESULTS: Self-report measures were negative for depression and risk for childhood neglect. Although oxytocin and baseline cortisol in the infants was higher in mothers that did some breast-feeding, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.2 and p = 0.1, respectively). Analyses showed (a) higher baseline cortisol in mothers was related to higher baseline cortisol in infants (p ≤ 0.0001), (b) following the stressor, female infants had a larger positive change in cortisol, after adjusting for baseline cortisol (p = 0.045), and (c) there was no relationship between dyad cortisol levels and maternal oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal and infant biologic stress measures are related. Female infants have a larger hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to a blood draw stressor as measured by salivary cortisol than male infants.

Case-control analysis of maternal prenatal analgesic use and cardiovascular malformations: Baltimore-Washington Infant Study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess maternal prenatal use of analgesics and risk of cardiovascular malformations (CVM) in the offspring. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study, a population-based case-control investigation of CVM, were used to examine selected isolated CVM diagnoses and maternal analgesic use during the periconceptional period (3 months before and after conception). We compared case and control infants on frequency of maternal use of analgesics and estimated adjusted odds ratios (adjORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with logistic regression models for specific CVM phenotypes. RESULTS: Frequency of periconceptional use of any analgesic was 52% among control mothers and 53% among case mothers. Analyses by CVM diagnoses identified an association of tetralogy of Fallot with maternal acetaminophen use (adjOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3) and dextrotransposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum with maternal nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use (adjOR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2-8.7). CONCLUSION: Analgesic use during the periconceptional period was not associated with CVM in the aggregate or with most phenotypes of CVM examined. Associations with 2 phenotypes of CVM may have occurred by chance. These findings warrant corroboration and further study, including further evaluation of the observed associations, the dose of analgesic taken, more specific timing of analgesic use, and indications for use.

ERß Regulation of Indian Hedgehog Expression in the First Wave of Ovarian Follicles.

Increased activation of ovarian primordial follicles in Erß knockout (ErßKO) rats becomes evident as early as postnatal day 8.5. To identify the ERß-regulated genes that may control ovarian primordial follicle activation, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles of ErßKO rat ovaries collected on postnatal days 4.5, 6.5, and 8.5. Compared to wildtype ovaries, ErßKO ovaries displayed dramatic downregulation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression. IHH-regulated genes, including Hhip, Gli1, and Ptch1, were also downregulated in ErßKO ovaries. This was associated with a downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and Hsd17b1. The expression of Ihh remained very low in ErßKO ovaries despite the high levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15, which are known upregulators of Ihh expression in the granulosa cells of activated ovarian follicles. Strikingly, the downregulation of the Ihh gene in ErßKO ovaries began to disappear on postnatal day 16.5 and recovered on postnatal day 21.5. In rat ovaries, the first wave of primordial follicles is rapidly activated after their formation, whereas the second wave of primordial follicles remains dormant in the ovarian cortex and slowly starts activating after postnatal day 12.5. We localized the expression of Ihh mRNA in postnatal day 8.5 wildtype rat ovaries but not in the age-matched ErßKO ovaries. In postnatal day 21.5 ErßKO rat ovaries, we detected Ihh mRNA mainly in the activated follicles in the ovaries' peripheral regions. Our findings indicate that the expression of Ihh in the granulosa cells of the activated first wave of ovarian follicles depends on ERß.

Extravillous trophoblast cell lineage development is associated with active remodeling of the chromatin landscape.

The extravillous trophoblast cell lineage is a key feature of placentation and successful pregnancy. Knowledge of transcriptional regulation driving extravillous trophoblast cell development is limited. Here, we map the transcriptome and epigenome landscape as well as chromatin interactions of human trophoblast stem cells and their transition into extravillous trophoblast cells. We show that integrating chromatin accessibility, long-range chromatin interactions, transcriptomic, and transcription factor binding motif enrichment enables identification of transcription factors and regulatory mechanisms critical for extravillous trophoblast cell development. We elucidate functional roles for TFAP2C, SNAI1, and EPAS1 in the regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell development. EPAS1 is identified as an upstream regulator of key extravillous trophoblast cell transcription factors, including ASCL2 and SNAI1 and together with its target genes, is linked to pregnancy loss and birth weight. Collectively, we reveal activation of a dynamic regulatory network and provide a framework for understanding extravillous trophoblast cell specification in trophoblast cell lineage development and human placentation.

Trends and factors associated with the Day 5 embryo transfer, assisted reproductive technology surveillance, USA, 2001-2009.

STUDY QUESTION: What characteristics are associated with a Day 5 embryo transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER: The use of the Day 5 embryo transfer has increased over time, with clinicians allowing women with typically 'poorer' prognostic characteristics to undergo a Day 5 embryo transfer. The mean number of embryos per Day 5 transfer decreased from 2001 to 2009, although the prevalence of the Day 5 single embryo transfer remains low and the rate of multiple births remains substantial. WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Day 5 embryo transfer may reduce the rate of multiple gestation pregnancy. US trends over time in the prevalence of the Day 5 transfer, changes in characteristics of patients receiving Day 5 transfer, and number of embryos transferred are unknown. DESIGN: We used 2001-2009 US National assisted reproductive technology (ART) Surveillance System (NASS) data on 620,295 fresh IVF cycles derived from autologous oocytes with a Day 3 or 5 embryo transfer. Trends in the mean number of embryos transferred from 2001 to 2009 were assessed by the day of transfer. For 349,947 cycles from clinics performing both Days 3 and 5 embryo transfers, multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the characteristics associated with the Day 5 embryo transfer. We also compared the characteristics of the Day 5 embryo cycles in 2001 and 2009. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Overall, the proportion of ART cycles using the Day 5 embryo transfer increased from 12% in 2001 to 36% in 2009 (P<0.0001), while the mean number of embryos transferred decreased from 2.4 to 2.1 (P<0.0001). Among Day 5 transfers, the rate of the single embryo transfer tripled from 4.5% in 2001 to 14.8% in 2009 (P<0.0001); and the rate of multiple births decreased from 44.8 to 41.1% (P<0.0001). In cycles initiated after 2001, maternal age<35 years, no prior ART cycles, ≥1 prior pregnancies, baseline follicle stimulating hormone<10 international units and ≥10 oocytes retrieved were associated with the Day 5 embryo transfer. Compared with 2001, in 2009, a broader range of candidates received the Day 5 transfer. BIAS Women undergoing multiple ART cycles over time are not linked. CONFOUNDING FACTORS AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION: We ran multivariable logistic regression to lessen the effects of the confounding factors. Cycle cancelation rates by the day of embryo transfer are unknown. GENERALIZABILITY TO OTHER POPULATIONS: Generalizable to ART clinics included in NASS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was funded by the Centres for Disease Control. The authors have no competing interests to declare.

The uterine natural killer cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and granulysin levels are elevated in the endometrium of women with nonstructural abnormal uterine bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in endometrial biopsies from reproductive-age women with and without nonstructural abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and evaluate the expression of granulysin within these cell populations and potential modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. DESIGN: Experimental study, retrospective design. SETTING: Academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S): Patients with nonstructural AUB with no other gynecological pathologies and control patients without AUB. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Immunohistochemical analysis of granulysin, CD56 (uNK cell marker), and CD8 (CTL marker) expression as well as granulysin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels in endometrial biopsy samples. Assessment of granulysin regulation of human endometrial stromal cell MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression. RESULT(S): The numbers of uNK cells and CTLs were significantly greater in endometrial biopsy tissue from women with AUB than those from controls. In accord with the increased expression of uNK cells and CTLs, granulysin expression was significantly greater in endometrial biopsies from patients with AUB than in from controls and colocalized to both cell types but not endometrial stromal or epithelial cells. The increased granulysin protein expression was associated with the increased granulysin mRNA expression in adjacent serial sections from these same samples. The treatment of the human endometrial stromal cell line t-HESC with granulysin resulted in a significant increase in MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION(S): In the current study, immunohistochemistry showed an increased expression of uNK cells, CTLs, and granulysin among subjects with AUB compared with that of subjects without AUB, leading to conclusions that disturbances in the balance of immune cells and an increase in granulysin expression may have implications in the pathophysiology of AUB and include enhanced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression.

Sexual Dimorphism in Kisspeptin Signaling.

Kisspeptin (KP) and kisspeptin receptor (KPR) are essential for the onset of puberty, development of gonads, and maintenance of gonadal function in both males and females. Hypothalamic KPs and KPR display a high degree of sexual dimorphism in expression and function. KPs act on KPR in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and induce distinct patterns of GnRH secretion in males and females. GnRH acts on the anterior pituitary to secrete gonadotropins, which are required for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in testes and ovaries. Gonadal steroid hormones in turn regulate the KP neurons. Gonadal hormones inhibit the KP neurons within the arcuate nucleus and generate pulsatile GnRH mediated gonadotropin (GPN) secretion in both sexes. However, the numbers of KP neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and preoptic area are greater in females, which release a large amount of KPs in response to a high estrogen level and induce the preovulatory GPN surge. In addition to the hypothalamus, KPs and KPR are also expressed in various extrahypothalamic tissues including the liver, pancreas, fat, and gonads. There is a remarkable difference in circulating KP levels between males and females. An increased level of KPs in females can be linked to increased numbers of KP neurons in female hypothalamus and more KP production in the ovaries and adipose tissues. Although the sexually dimorphic features are well characterized for hypothalamic KPs, very little is known about the extrahypothalamic KPs. This review article summarizes current knowledge regarding the sexual dimorphism in hypothalamic as well as extrahypothalamic KP and KPR system in primates and rodents.

The impact of a group based, remotely delivered weight loss intervention in women with polycystic ovary syndrome on ovulation, quality of life and body composition.

Background: Obesity and visceral adiposity are associated with anovulation. The most common cause of anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We conducted this formative study to examine the effects of a remotely delivered, group-based lifestyle program for women with overweight/obesity and PCOS on ovulation, PCOS related quality of life (PCOSQ) and body composition. Methods: Women with anovulatory infertility caused by PCOS (N = 12) were enrolled in a 6-month high-intensity weight management intervention. Participants were asked to attend 45 min., group behavioral lifestyle sessions, delivered remotely by a registered dietitian weekly across the 6-mo. study and comply with a reduced energy diet, increased physical activity (225 min/wk.), and self-monitoring of weight, physical activity and diet. Diets consisted of five portion-controlled meals (three shakes + two entrees), at least five servings of fruits/vegetables, and ad libitum non-caloric beverages daily. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes in outcomes across the intervention. Results: Twelve women received the weight loss intervention (mean age = 32.7 ± 4.2 yrs., BMI = 36.8 ± 4.5 kg/m2, 92% college educated), and 8 completed the intervention. Eight (67%) women reported ovulating during the intervention with an average time to ovulation of 57 ± 45 days. Women lost an average of 3.85 ± 5.94 kg (p = 0.02), decreased their BMI (-1.61 ± 1.09 kg/m2; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (-4.54 ± 3.03 cm; p = 0.04) over the 6-mo. intervention. Additionally, self-reported menstrual problems measured by PCOSQ significantly improved over the study (p = 0.03). Conclusion: A multicomponent group-based, remotely delivered, lifestyle intervention delivered remotely is a feasible and potentially scalable option to achieve clinically relevant (>3%) weight loss in women with PCOS. Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03677362.

Attitudes toward Rubella and Varicella Vaccination during Preconception Care.

INTRODUCTION: Studies of anti-vaccine attitudes in the perinatal time period previously have not paid special attention to the MMR and varicella vaccines. Because both contain live attenuated virus, a contraindication during pregnancy, it is important to assess barriers to vaccination clinically during preconception to avoid the known fetal morbidity associated with congenital rubella or varicella infection. METHODS: The primary outcome of this study was to determine prevalence of patients with nonimmune status for rubella and varicella in the setting of advanced reproductive care. Secondary outcomes of interest included further understanding nonimmune reproductive-aged women's attitudes toward MMR and varicella vaccination during preconception. Patient records with laboratory orders for rubella or varicella immunoglobulin titers, placed at the KU Advanced Reproductive Care clinic between January 2017 and June 2020, were reviewed (n = 2,217). A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients with a laboratory reported negative titer result. RESULTS: Prevalence of nonimmunity to either rubella or varicella represented 6.0% (n = 134) and 3.8% (n = 85) of records, respectively; nineteen records (0.6%) demonstrated nonimmunity to both. The women who did not receive recommended vaccines following a non-immune titer result (n = 19) most commonly cited their rationale was to not delay fertility treatment further (n = 8), a requirement when receiving live attenuated virus vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of nonimmune persons in the study population fell within the range recognized to be sufficient for herd immunity. The majority of survey respondents indicated that CDC recommended vaccinations were of high personal importance, with strong congruence of thought among those who answered in favor of vaccines when posed with several true or false statements about personal beliefs and vaccine efficacy. The risk/benefit analysis of postponing fertility treatment to achieve adequate levels of immunity should be a focused discussion when establishing fertility treatment goals with patients in the setting of advanced reproductive care.

Attenuation of Autoimmune Phenomena in a Patient with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a progressive life-threatening illness with no known cure. Current treatments involve replacement of the hormone deficiencies that result from autoimmune destruction of multiple endocrine organs. We report on a girl whose disease was progressing rapidly until she began on immunosuppressive agents. A healthy 6-year-old girl with no remarkable medical history presented with new onset hypocalcemic seizures and primary hypoparathyroidism. Howell-Jolly bodies consistent with autoimmune hyposplenism were also noted. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 disease-associated variants in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. She later developed elevated liver enzymes, primary adrenal insufficiency, and alopecia totalis. Serologic testing revealed antibodies to 21-hydroxylase, intrinsic factor, and smooth muscle. Hydrocortisone was initiated for adrenal insufficiency. Shortly afterwards, her liver enzymes normalized, and her smooth muscle antibody levels began to decline. Serologic testing performed at age 11 revealed seropositivity for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and Sjögren syndrome A (SSA) antibodies. At age 12, she was given 2 doses of rituximab. Hair loss rapidly progressed to alopecia totalis and then to alopecia universalis, at which time oral methotrexate treatment was initiated. For the past 7 years while on glucocorticoid and methotrexate treatment, our patient has displayed normalization of 2 antibodies, a lack of progression to additional autoimmune diseases, and experienced reversal of alopecia universalis.

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the use of a web-based application to manage medications during in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a web-based application that assists in medication management during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. DESIGN: Multicenter randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospitals. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Subjects were recruited to assess quality of life during IVF and were randomly assigned to use either the OnTrack application to assist with medication management or conventional medication management. Surveys were administered at four time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Medication surplus, incidence of medication errors, amount of patient-initiated communication, and patient satisfaction. RESULT(S): A total of 153 women participated. The average number of portal messages and telephone calls was similar between groups. Twelve patients in the control group (12/69, 17.4%) and 8 patients in the case group (8/72, 11.1%) made medication errors. There were similar amounts of medication surplus in the two groups. The estimated cost of medication waste was $2,578 ± $2,056 in the control group and $2,554 ± $1,855 in the case group. Patient satisfaction was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION(S): Use of a web-based application did not decrease medication errors, medication surplus, or patient-initiated messages. Many patients had a medication surplus, which can be an area of cost reduction during IVF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03383848.